Regional Access Database

Advice High Stony Bank

A series of buttresses in a picturesque setting above Gordale Beck.
BMC Area Yorkshire Rock Type Limestone
Climbing Area Yorkshire Limestone Access Status Advice
County North Yorkshire CRoW Land Yes
Importance Local SSSI Yes
Ownership Private No. of Routes 44
Within National Park Yes Year Developed 1965



Common Raven have been known to nest at this crag. The nests, which are usually large and clearly visible, are protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). To avoid reckless damage to nests, the birds, or their eggs during this sensitive period the BMC advises climbers to avoid routes which pass through, or near, the nests during mid-February to mid-May.
Update (13/05/10) - the nesting raven have departed.


The magnificent landscape of the Yorkshire Dales was shaped by melting glacial ice 300 million years ago to produce the towering crags, shadowy peaks, rock-pavements, and picturesque valleys found today.
The area was designated as a National Park in 1954, and covers approximately 1,769 km/683 square miles with many nationally significant climbing venues and a rich diversity of wildlife.

Most of the crags in this region lie within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), a designation with a high level of legal protection for wildlife and geology.

Responsibility for identifying and protecting SSSIs in the Dales lies with Natural England – the statutory governmental advisor on conservation issues and contributor towards the Yorkshire Dales Green Climbing Guide.
The guide is intended to help climbers or walkers identify the protected flora, fauna, and geology found in the Dales and contribute towards their conservation.

Click this link to see the guide;

http://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=154

The guide is also available free from the BMC office or at various tourist offices in the region.


Last updated: 13/05/2010